Thane M Beckstrand's Obituary
Thane M Beckstrand passed through the veil on June 23rd 2025 at the age of 94.
Thane was born March 4th 1931 to parents Vernard Lester Beckstrand and Ethel Lillian Martin Beckstrand in San Jose, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, his dear friend and ex-wife Carol Maurline Wilcox and sister-in-law Judith Beckstrand. He is survived by brothers Shelley Beckstrand and Kraig (Diane) Beckstrand; Children Nels (Susan) Beckstrand, Heather (Curtis) Lowry, Christopher (Harlene) Beckstrand, and Karl Beckstrand; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Thane grew up in the Bay Area of California. He served as a radio operator in the US Army, stationed in Baumholder Germany during the Korean War. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States mission and spent much of his time in Maine, Massachusetts, and Newfoundland, Canada.
He attended Brigham Young University and transferred to San Jose State University where he graduated with a degree in accounting.
Thane worked in San Francisco for the Federal Government and traveled to Alaska and the South Pacific in his career as an auditor. He also enjoyed refereeing and umpiring for high school and church sporting events.
Motorcycles and Mustaches: these were always a part of his life. As soon as he was old enough to ride a motorcycle he had one and loved the freedom it offered. He had a mustache most of his adult life except in the military and on his mission. He had a motorcycle in Germany where he and his friend Floyd Fowels travelled across Europe when they had leave, camping along the roadside. He was a long-time member of the Northern California BMW club where he served in various capacities on their board. He was also a long-time member of the Beehive Beemers Motorcycle Club in Utah. He loved the thrill of the open road and being one with nature.
Thane valued his membership in the Church, was active wherever he lived whether in California, Utah, or abroad, and accepted callings in every ward. He enjoyed serving in the temple in his later years and didn’t mind shaving off his mustache to serve the Lord. He had a firm testimony of the Savior, of His atonement, and of the Plan of Salvation.
Family was very important to him. He raised his children in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wanted his grandchildren to never question his love for them. We will miss his smile, his hugs and his warm sense of humor. Until we meet again.
We invite you to join us in celebrating his life at his memorial on August 2nd, 2025.
Services will be held at the Midvale chapel:
7825 South Olympus Street
Midvale, Utah 84047-7426
United States
40.608973, -111.897681
We will not have a viewing according to his wishes. But we will have a friends and family gathering beforehand from 11:30 to 12:45 and invite you to join us for his memorial at 1PM.
Hope to see you there!
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